Invention:
This invention provides a method for a targeted delivery of a commonly used chemotherapy drug, 5-fluorouracil used to treat colorectal cancer. A pro-drug is released within the colon to release the active ingredient. The method will allow for targeted delivery of 5-fluorouracil to the colon.
Background:
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world. Patients with colorectal cancer often receive chemotherapy as a primary treatment or as a pre/post-surgery treatment for their cancer. One of the most commonly used chemotherapy drugs used in the treatment of colorectal cancer is 5-Fluorouracil. 5-Fluorouracil is used due to its high effectiveness rates against colorectal cancer. Current oral administrations of pro-drugs for 5-Fluorouracil, capecitabine and tegafur, must be metabolized in the liver before 5-FU can be released, thus, the drug is not concentrated in the colon, but rather is systematically available. This leads to adverse effects which might be avoided if 5-FU was specifically released in the colon and remained concentrated there. Therefore, there is a need for a method that allows release of 5-FU or other active pharmaceutical ingredients in the colon.
Applications:
- Colorectal cancer treatment
Advantages:
- Targeted rather than systemic delivery
- Reduces systemic exposure
- Reduces severe side-effects of chemotherapy
